Steelers Injured Player Update Heading Into Weekend

The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Washington Redskins on Sunday at Heinz Field and now is a good time to like at the list of injured players one by one heading into the game.

Troy Polamalu – It is looking like it could be at least a few more weeks on the sidelines for the Steelers safety as he continues to rest his injured calf. I would be surprised if he is back before the game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Marcus Gilbert – At least Gilbert didn\’t have a tendon tear in his ankle, but the smart thing to do would be to keep him sidelined a few more weeks. I would expect Gilbert to be back healthy by at least the Ravens game. When he does return, he might be the swing tackle as it all depends on how rookie Mike Adams plays these next few games.

Brandon Johnson – Johnson injured his hamstring against the Cincinnati Bengals and wasn\’t able to practice Thursday or Friday after being limited on Wednesday. He could likely be back for the game next Sunday against the New York Giants.

Rashard Mendenhall – Mendenhall did not practice at all for a second straight week as he looks to return from a strained Achilles. He should be considered week-to-week right now and Wednesday is always a telling sign with him. If he doesn\’t work on Wednesday, odds are he will be down again next week.

Isaac Redman – Redman was able to go on a limited basis both Thursday and Friday, but the Steelers will likely be very cautious with him this week. There is a chance he could dress, but no way will he start Sunday as Jonathan Dwyer will get the nod.

Maurkice Pouncey – The Steelers centers will be back this week and he said that he will not wear a brace on his injured knee, but instead will opt for a heavy tape job instead. The Steelers center sprained the knee in the Thursday night game against the Tennessee Titans, so that is now nearly two and half weeks ago. He will start on Sunday.

Chris Carter – Carter was able to work fully this week as he looks to return from a hamstring injury. Carter is no stranger to this type of injury as he fought one for most of his rookie season. As it looks right now, he should be a go Sunday on special teams and will fill the hole left by Johnson.

Shaun Suisham – Suisham rested his plant foot this week after apparently suffering some sort of ankle injury last week while covering a kick. The injury kept the Steelers kicker limited all three days this past week, but he is expected to fine come Sunday. If something were to happen to him in the game, punter Drew Butler does have some practice kicking off and kicking extra points.

Will Allen – Allen rolled an ankle in the game Sunday night, but was able to practice fully all week. He most likely will start once again at strong safety with Polamalu down once again.

Adrian Robinson – Robinson suffered a concussion late in the game against the Bengals anmd was limited on both Wednesday and Thursday as a result. The rookie undrafted free agent was able to practice fully on Friday, but whether or not he gets a helmet Sunday will come down to numbers as he is a prime candidate to be inactive.

Jason Worilds – Worilds was out sick On Wednesday, but returned to practice fully on Thursday and Friday.

David DeCastro – DeCastro remains on the injured reserve list and has yet to practice with his team. The last report states that he is back running a straight line again, but that report is now a few weeks old.

Im hoping DeCastro can begin practicing in a few weeks and play vs Baltimore but I only want that if he’s fully ready to go.

SteelerDave

Perhaps it shows my age but I truly do miss a dominant offensive line and this season I have high hopes for the first time in ages.

Mike Adams has impressed as a rookie playing RT which is where I feel he needs to play for at least his first two seasons. I also give him props for staying out of trouble and putting his past behind him. The day he was drafted I felt he would be best at RT and the plan to move Gilbert to LT should still happen as Gilbert played admirably last season and wants to play at LT long term. Max has been great at LT this season so groom either Gilbert or Adams for LT when Gilbert is healthy enough and have Gilbert as the swing while he learns.

DeCastro was less than stellar in camp practices but in preseason action before he was hurt he was something special and seems to be a player who needs that whistle and live action of an opponent for his motor to click and to play like he can play. I look forward to him returning within a few weeks and taking things from there.